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Advice on Advanced Certification Courses in NYC

I recently completed the Foundation Course from American Sommelier and am ready to start advanced coursework. However, I am torn between the 24 week viti/vini course from ASA or the advanced certification from WSET. While I enjoyed ASA, I've heard several recommendations from people to take WSET. Does anyone have experience with both? Any thoughts to share? My ultimate career goal is to be a wine consultant and hopefully own a wine store.

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Hello - I've taken both courses and there are pros and cons to each. In terms of course materials WSET is far far better. HOWEVER, the ASA puts together a great experience. I think the teachers are more interesting at ASA. I also think the structure of the course (i.e. you have a quiz after each class) is more conducive to retaining the material. At WSET, it's one exam at the end. Also, WSET packs a lot more information into one class (e.g. they combine the Loire and the Rhone) and because of that the instructors fly through the material. At ASA, the courses are more broken down (e.g. the Loire and Rhone are their own separate classes). I think you need the foundational knowledge of the ASA viti/vini to follow the fast-paced, information-packed WSET advanced certificate course. One thing in favor of WSET is that there is a more developed tasting component to the course. You learn a 'systematic approach' to tasting (it can be annoying to have to follow it but you get a lot out of it). The exam also encompasses two blind tastings. At ASA, you need to take a different course to cover blind tasting technique. If you can, take both starting with ASA and moving to WSET. Best of luck and enjoy!

I took the WSET Intermediate course and loved it. Very organized and concise and experienced instructors. I plan on signing up for the Advanced WSET course this winter so maybe we will run into each other :)